Steve Swisher sat in the middle of the Indians' clubhouse juggling a baseball on a table and checking messages on his phone.

Behind him, an exuberant 32-year-old whose belongings fill two locker stalls turned his corner of the clubhouse into the boisterous pregame gathering spot.

"People say it's just an act," Steve said. "It's not an act."

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Steve would know. Nick Swisher, who occupies the locker, is his baseball-playing son.

The centerpiece of the Indians' winter shopping spree was unwrapped before 41,567 at Monday's home opener against the Yankees.

Swisher came as advertised -- loud, energetic and ready to entertain.

He also brought plenty of friends.

Asked how many tickets he gave away for the sold-out game, Swisher said, "Enough."

They came from all parts of Ohio to watch the Columbus native and former Ohio State standout.

Ohio State is 29 games into its baseball season. The Buckeyes ended a series at Minnesota on Sunday and play host to West Virginia on Tuesday. Yet there stood Ohio State baseball coach Greg Beals, leaning on the dugout railing as the Indians took batting practice. Beals replaced the legendary Bob Todd in 2010, meaning he arrived in Columbus eight years after Swisher's final college game.

It didn't matter. The opportunity to spend a few pregame minutes with Swisher made Beals' trip worthwhile.

"That I-71 corridor is going to get worn out," Beals said. "It's nice having him here because he can promote baseball in our state."

The Indians invested $56 million into Swisher because he has reached 20 homers the past seven seasons, so he's a hitter before a promoter. But the home opener, which the Indians lost, 11-6, demonstrated Swisher doesn't need a bat in his hand to enhance an event.

Swisher made his first public appearance Monday at an 11:25 a.m. news conference attended by Northeast Ohio and New York reporters. The Indians mistakenly placed a stool in the clubhouse interview room.

Swisher's internal wiring doesn't allow him to sit for extended periods. He spent the entire 13-minute session on his feet.

"I feel like a professor or something," he said.

He acted like a professor competing against his former co-workers.

Swisher spent the past four seasons with the Yankees. The chance to spend a fifth season in New York never arrived.

"When it comes down to it, they didn't come to me," he said. "They didn't offer me anything. In a situation like that, as much as I love that city and as hard as it was for me to leave, I had to do what was best for my wife and myself."

The Yankees' winter and spring proved disastrous. Alex Rodriguez is still recovering from hip surgery. Derek Jeter hasn't returned from an ankle injury suffered in last year's ALCS. Mark Teixeira is on the 15-day disabled list with an arm injury. And center fielder Curtis Granderson fractured his forearm after being hit with a pitch in spring training, forcing the Yankees to acquire Vernon Wells as an expensive emergency outfielder.

Swisher said not receiving a contract offer from the Yankees "hurt."

He then put a positive spin on a dour process.

"The way Cleveland has come in with a special situation. ...They have treated me like a king over here," he said. "I could not be more honored to put that uniform on for them every single day."

Seeing his son in the Indians' cream-colored home jersey represented a beautiful sight for Steve.

When he first learned of his son's interest in the Indians, Steve had an overwhelmingly positive reaction.

"I'm a firm believer in Terry Francona," Steve said. "He's an outstanding baseball guy. He's a great leader. Nick chose Terry to be the manager of the team he played for. I couldn't be more happy."

So far, Swisher and the player-first Francona are an ideal match. Francona said Swisher's energy level is consistent, meaning high all the time. Left fielder Michael Brantley said Swisher has already left an indelible mark on the clubhouse.

"You can't hear him?" Brantley said when asked about Swisher's pregame energy level. "He just brings a smile to everybody's face, whether it's 6:30 in the morning in spring or 4 o'clock for BP. He just makes everything more relaxed."

Swisher was in a jovial mood during batting practice, chatting as he fielded grounders at first base and slapping teammates while rounding the bases. At one point, he spotted a New York writer wearing a Michigan pullover. Swisher embraced the apparent Wolverine fan.

The hugs became more meaningful as the game approached. The Indians invited Steve, along with the big-league fathers of other Indians, to toss ceremonial first pitches to their sons. Steve's nine-year major-league career included stops in Chicago, St. Louis and San Diego.

After absorbing ribbing Sunday night from Nick and other family members, Steve unleashed a robust strike.

"They have been on my case all day and last night wondering if I would be able to get the ball from one point to the catcher," Steve said.

By 4:06 p.m., the pomp had ended and the Indians were ordered to take the field. Swisher exploded from the dugout before his teammates, sprinted to first base, twisted around and pumped his chest toward a group of fans.

He then went 1-for-3 and walked twice in his first home game of the Indians. With the Indians trailing by five runs in the ninth, Swisher walked and reached second base, where he was trading playful barbs with Yankees shortstop Eduardo Nunez and reserve second baseman Jayson Nix.

The wait for his next home game isn't as long. The Indians and Yankees play again Tuesday night.

Those closest to Swisher said he will treat his second home game as an Indian just like the first one.

"He has had that personality all of his life," Steve said. "He has always been that way. I'm proud of him because I'm not sure he's ever met a person in his life that he didn't like. I think life is that way. You have to extend yourself."